07/07/2021

Erlanger, KY (July 7, 2021) ― The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is partnering with ArtWorks, a Greater Cincinnati nonprofit that transforms people and places through creative works of art, to create two larger-than-life murals in the airport’s new consolidated rental car facility opening this fall.

The new rental car facility and customer service building will offer a more connected and seamless passenger experience as well as provide a new front door to the airport Terminal. The new facility represents a $175 million investment from CVG, and construction remains on track for a timely opening this fall. For many visitors to the new facility, these pieces of art will be some of the first images they see and will convey the Cincinnati region’s strong public arts heritage.

Prior to the opening, two artists will plan and design the murals on the first and third floors of the facility. The project will employ up to 16 youth apprentices, who will execute the design under the mentorship of six professional teaching artists. The murals will convey themes of movement, flight, and transportation while promoting what the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region has to offer.

• Adrienne Gaither, an abstract visual artist originally from Cincinnati, now located in Washington, D.C., will be the artist to design the application on the first-floor wall. Ms. Gaither’s abstract nature will complement the aesthetics of the angles and shapes taking form in the space. Mural application begins at the end of July with completion around mid-September.

• Christian Dallas, a contemporary painter and muralist from Northern Kentucky, will be the artist to design the application on the third-floor wall. Mr. Dallas’ contemporary style will draw on themes of movement and flight – underscoring CVG’s role in providing air transportation to connect the Cincinnati region to the world. The mural application begins at the beginning of September with completion around the end of October.

“The public nature of our new facility is an excellent opportunity to showcase the unique assets of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky community, which include our robust artistic talent,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG. “These two works of art will build upon the sense of place we’ve established throughout our facilities to welcome visitors to the region and local travelers home.”

“Employing local artists to create murals for CVG is a dream come true for ArtWorks,” said Colleen Houston, ArtWorks CEO and artistic director. “This space is vital and forms the first impression for our region’s visitors. We are thrilled this large-scale art will enhance that experience of travel, build civic pride and showcase the creativity of our community.”

“Art is inspirational and having access to be exposed to art changes your perspective,” Gaither said. “I’m honored to have work in the airport back home. It was my dream, and now I’m living it.”

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to leave my mark on this region that has meant so much to me,” said Christian Dallas. “I’m looking forward to leading Artworks’ apprentices again to create such a prominent work of art.”

View of first floor where one of the murals will be applied.  

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About ArtWorks

ArtWorks is an award-winning Greater Cincinnati nonprofit that transforms people and places through investments in creativity. The organization collaborates with community organizations and residents, businesses, governments, foundations and nonprofits to build creative works of art that bolster the region’s global reputation as an arts destination. ArtWorks employs professional artists who inspire and mentor diverse teams of youth, ages 14-21, helping them build 21st century career-readiness skills. These teams have completed more than 13,800 public and private art projects in its 25 years, including more than 200 permanent outdoor murals. Learn more at artworkscincinnati.org.